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Breeder advice

2K views 10 replies 4 participants last post by  marceloanddobes 
#1 ·
Hello my name is Marcelo and I'm really familiar to the site but I just registered and this is my first time posting. I Was just wondering if anyone could offer advice on the interview questions breeders ask and what to expect. I will soon call back a breeder to see if the breeding was successful in order to go through the interview process and hopefully get on the waiting list. I've never owned a Doberman so the feedback is much appreciated :)
P.s. How do you reply on a post?
 
#2 ·
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Each breeder has their own criteria, and therefore will have different questions they ask. But I think globally these are questions they will ask (unless you've already answered them in your introduction to them):
- Do you have any other dogs?
- Do you have prior dog experience?
- Do you have prior doberman experience?
- What is your experience with dobermans, if you haven't owned one, have you been around them etc.
- Do you have a more active lifestyle? Or a more laidback one?
- If you aren't active how do you intend on getting the dog its necessary physical requirements?
- Are you a single adult, or do you have roommates? Do you have children in your household and how many people do you have, who will be taking care of the dog?
- What is your living situation like? (Apartment, house, yard/no-yard).
- What do you intend on doing with your doberman if you have any specific dog sport goals with them.
- Do you have the time to dedicate to a new puppy (job or school wise, or can they come with you, or will you take a 'parental leave' if you don't, normally?)

I think those are the most basic questions. Some will ask for vet or trainer references. Some will ask to know who you intend on training with, who will be your vet. They might ask what you intend on feeding your dog, some will ask about your feelings on specific training methods or mentalities/approaches. Some will ask if you have been involved with dog sports at all before or showing (if that's what you'd like to do). They might ask if your insurance provider covers Dobermans. Do you travel a lot and will you bring your dog, will you make arrangements for the dog to come with you if you ever were to move etc.
 
#3 ·
Thank you so much! In my case I have never owned a dog and I'm 16 and work only Friday and Saturdays and am starting community college next week but my schedule isn't too busy I still have plenty of time. Now I have managed to save a considerable amount of money because I spoke to my parents and they ok'd me buying the dobe and I am interested in one from a reputable breeder. As for as the house I currently live in a house with a fenced backyard and I will be moving into a more spacious one my dad and workers he hired are working on and we will be moving there in June and it will also be fenced and hopefully I will be getting a budget friendly car soon so it'll be easier to transport myself to college etc. and I don't travel often too. I'm Looking for a pet quality dobe though. I know I probably missed some stuff but so far how does my situation sound? I Will also be training the dog myself by the way and the breeder can offer good advice because him and his wife from what I read on their website are dog trainers. The breeder is called Incredible Dobermans also.
 
#4 ·
You will need a trainer no matter what. This doesn't mean sending out a dog to someone else to do the training for you. But you will need someone to give you advice and teach you how to train. Plus, pupper kindergarden is a GREAT way to socialize your pup with other dogs and learn how to work in an environment other than home. (Dogs can't generalise, so if you only ever teach it 'sit' at home, without practicing outside then it will be harder for them to learn to sit elsewhere. Also it is good to practice in environments where there are distractions so you can teach them to pay attention to you no matter what.)

I have heard a lot of good things about Incredible, and there are a few owners here on the forums that have dobies from them. But I have no idea what their personal criteria is. Your living situation sounds good, the only points working against you are, no dog experience and maybe your age/school situation. Do you plan on moving out when you graduate etc. Since it can be difficult to find places that accept pets when renting.

Also the money you have aside shouldn't just be for the dog's purchase price but also for vet costs and upkeep (training, toys, food) as well as emergency funds.
 
#5 ·
Thanks once again for the feedback and it will be a long time before I move out so that won't be a problem, as for as the money goes I will have enough for food (looking into a raw food diet by the way) and as far as training I think I'll talk it over with the breeder to see if there is a low cost solution to training and see what they recommend. As far as age goes I can assure that I am determined to put a lot of work with the new dog from puppyhood and beyond. Hopefully Showing that I have what it takes and with a little comprehension I'll be on that waiting list! ????
 
#9 ·
I've got to echo Artemis on "formal/in class" training. This has to be a priority for you. Dobes need it, they just do. Our training classes exhaust my boy more than anything else. The sights, the smells, the new friends, learning something away from home, the bond you get from training classes, it's all important.

Not sure where you are located, but there are classes that I've found in my neck of the woods that I think are extremely reasonable. I paid $150 for 6 weeks of puppy classes. I liked the instructor but I really wanted someone that was more familiar with working breeds. I called my local kennel club and their beginners OB classes are $70 for 6 weeks! I could not believe my ears. If you shop around, you may be able to find something like that as well.

I also like the local kennel club because they offer much more that just OB. (which is all the training club where we did pup classes offered).

By the way, IncredibleDobe is a member of this forum.
 
#7 ·
I doubt that a reputable breeder would sell to you directly at your age. Reputable, responsible breeders have contracts and you're too young to enter into a contract so your parents would have to be the purchaser/signer. I'm sure that the breeder would want to meet your parents or talk to them as part of the whole interview process.
 
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